Womens Football

LUWFC 1^st Game: Home to Keele UniversityDate: 17^th October 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm Lancaster University Womens Football team finally kicked off their first match of the season at ten minutes two after anxiously waiting to see if their opponents would actually turn up.  After some confusion as to where the Keele ladies were and the fact they had turned up in a kit almost identical to the Lancaster kit the game commenced. Immediately Lancaster showed their attacking play with a shot that went just wide from Catherine McCartan.  Through out the first ten minutes Lancaster made repeated attacks on the Keele goal and after the 6^th minute they gained their reward with a beautiful goal from Rachel Mckinley.  A minute later a newcomer to the team, Jenny Springer, scored her debut goal with great confidence to make it two nil to Lancaster. Lancaster continued to pass the ball well and kept possession in frustration Keele gave away a free kick in the 14^th minute with a mistimed tackle.  However the free kick led to nothing and simply went over the bar.  Keele then began to pick up their pace and started an attacking movement forward.  This resulted in a long range shot and consequently a goal in the 17^th minute. This spurred the Keele team onto a second attack which resulted in the ball cracking off the post in the 18^th minute.  IN response to this Lancaster  immediately took the ball to the other end, a brilliant movement resulted in Emily Hyslop having a shot on goal which went just wide. Both teams were fighting hard to keep possession and play began to heat up.  In the 24^th minute Keele were awarded a free kick for a Lancaster hand ball.  With an equalizer in sight Keele took their chance and scored making it 2-2. Play went back and forth with both teams pushing for a third goal in order to go into half time with the upper hand.  Lancaster looked like they may have just been the team to gain the lead when Emily Hyslop powered a shot into the bottom left hand corner.  The shot required a brilliant save and the Keele keeper managed this. Keele replied with a shot that went just over the bar but Jenny Springer managed to push Lancaster in the lead just before half time with a second superb finish. A half time drink and a team talk from Jenny Murphy, the Lancaster captain, meant that Lancaster went straight into the second half with a point to prove.  Within 48 minutes Jenny Springer had scored her hat trick and then on the 61^st minute Springer put Lancaster up to 5 goals with her fourth goal. Keele had only one more reply up their sleeve in the 74^th minute but this wasn’t enough to stop the strong Lancaster side from finishing on top. Lancaster were dominating the game fully by this point and in the 86^th minute they sealed the deal with a a goal scored by Jenny Murphy.   The final score ended 6-3.  Congratulations to LUWFC for a brilliant first performance and to the joint players of the match- defenders Amy Beresford and Georgia Phillipson.  Can I get a hell yeah???!!!! LUWFC 2nd Game: Away to Chester UniversityDate: 24^th October 2007Kick Off: 2.10pm 

A big step up was required by Lancaster when arriving at Chester’s facilities but this was purely to get into the changing rooms as there were no steps to actually get in.  This difficulty in actually getting changed was followed by a late start to the game.

The game started on a fairly even keel, however Lancaster seemed slightly disorientated and uneasy in their formation which led to Chester being able to push forward.  Chester had many attacks on the Lancaster goal in the first 20 minutes of the first half with very little Lancaster pressure.  Attacks on goal were made from Emily Hyslop and Emma Kevin but to no avail and in the 12^th minute Chester scored a lovely goal from a brilliant advance forward.  Lancaster didn’t reply straight away then in the 18^th minute against the run of play Jenny Springer managed to push the score to one all with a brilliant finish.

Lancaster then started to pick up their flare and began to control the game.  Sarah Williamson had a cracking shot on goal that went just wide.  Lancaster were then awarded a free kick which was taken by Jenny Murphy.  Murphy stepped up and struck the ball beautiful but the keeper just managed to grasp it to deny Lancaster to take the lead before half time.

Lancaster started the second half with a slight change in team which seemed to do the trick and made Lancaster start playing football like they knew they could.  Within four minutes of the second half Lancaster gained the lead.  A brilliant move by the Lancaster midfield allowed Murphy to flick the ball up for Fay Garratt to header the ball in the back of the net.

This gave Lancaster extra energy and made the team pull together and work even harder for one another.  In the 64^th minute LAncaster increased their lead when Emily Hyslop controlled the ball and pounded it into the goal to make it 1 – 3 to Lancaster. Lancaster continued to keep possession and defend their goal to stop Chester from adding any to the score.

The ladies finished the game off in style when Garratt scored her second goal in the 87^th minute.  The final score ended 1-4 and Lancaster sealed their second win of the season away from home.  Woman of the match was awarded to Geogia Phillipson for a brilliant performance.  Phillipson’s consistency at centre back impressed last year and she has continued her pefect form this season with the team being thankful that she is the controller of the denfence.

  LUWFC 3rd Game: Home to Manchester Metropolitan UniversityDate: 31st October 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm 

Lancaster went into the third game with their sights on another win however the gossip before the match led to nerves.  Manchester Met like Lancaster had won their first two games and were keen to keep their winning streak up.  Both teams were hungry for the success but the home team made let their nerves get to them initially.

For the first ten minutes Manchester pushed forward and looked to catch the Lancaster defense off guard.  They struck the ball from long range but were denied several times due to the Lancaster keeper Jessica Smith. 

Lancaster although seeming to be a little shaky still started to calm themselves and play football.  They started to keep possession and push forward to the goal rather then sitting back.  Emily Hyslop had a shot on goal; it was brilliant but missed the back of the net by an inch.

The game continued with both teams striving to get the first goal.  Controversy hit the pitch when Lancaster was awarded a penalty.  Jenny Springer stepped up to take it but struck the ball just wide.  It seemed it wasn’t Lancaster day to take the lead.  The team does like a challenge though and that’s exactly what came. 

Half time was called and the game was goalless.  Both teams were keen to get back into the game and the whistle was blown to begin the second half and both teams were pushing for that first goal.  Lancaster made a few attacks on goal and against the run of play Manchester replied by taking the ball quickly to the Lancaster end and scoring to take the lead in the 51^st minute.  Nineteen minutes later a slower but steadier reply came from Lancaster when they pulled the score to a draw in the 70^th minute.

In the second half Lancaster proved they wanted the ball more.  People say that slow and steady wins the race and this was the mentally that Lancaster took on.  The home team kept position, passed well and moved off the ball brilliantly.  This led to a second goal in the 83^rd minute.  Emily Hyslop shot to make it 2-1. 

Manchester Met could have replied but didn’t and allowed another brilliant attack on goal by Hyslop to make it 3-1 in the 86^th minute.  Hyslop was then given a yellow card for a tackle but she didn’t let this stop her game and showed the ref her class when she scored her third goal immediately after she was carded. 

The final result finished 4-1 to the home side to make it their third win.  Woman of the match was awarded jointly Georgia Phillipson and Emily Hyslop.  Well done ladies.

LUWFC 4th Game: Home to Liverpool UniversityDate: 7^th November 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm Bleak conditions but a sunny attitude was involved in Lancaster Womens football team fourth match.  Before the home side ran onto the pitch there were a few changes to be noted.  A few familiar faces were injured which then gave new players a chance to make up the starting eleven.  The pre match talk consisted of the captain telling the team to fight for their place and show why exactly they should be in the team. The game commenced with a ten women Liverpool side and the altered Lancaster side.  Both teams had a task in hand.  Learning to move as a team with new additions or having to make up space for a missing player.  Both teams were to be challenged. The first half was very evenly matched despite Liverpool being one woman down Lancaster couldn’t take advantage of this.  Liverpool remained strong and solid from the start and their first half performance was astounding considering Lancaster controlled much of the possession for the first half. Lancaster continually pushed on goal but couldn’t quite finish.   Liverpool looked dangerous at one point when  one of their movements forward resulted in a shot being pushed onto the cross bar and over by keeper Jessica Smith.  Lancaster replied to this Liverpool attack with a precise through ball which was seized by Catherine McCartan who scored to push Lancaster in the lead in the 43^rd minute. The whistle drew a close to the first half and both teams went off for their team talks.  Lancaster made two changes.  Captain Jenny Murphy came on for Emma Kevin and Collette Weepman came on for Jenny Springer. The teams ran out in the second half to commence the battle. The second half showed a lot of switching between play.  Neither team fully took control of the match and dominated.  Lancaster Women do like a challenge though and worked extremely hard to hold their one nil lead to gain the three points. The Liverpool side has to be commended on their brilliant and resolute performance.  Working with one player down, they showed true spirit and sporting behavior.  Lancaster worked really hard despite team changes.  The home side showed strong character again by gaining the three points despite making it slightly harder for them selves.Player of the match was Deborah Dilworth. 

LUWFC 5th Game: Away to UCLANDate: 14^th November 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm The fifth game of the season was a local derby against the sporting university that is UCLAN.  The brilliant facilities and expertise in coaching make them a feared team in the league this season.  However LUWFC were not about to bow to pressure and they went into the game with high hopes.  The first twenty minutes were extremely even with both teams looking rather tired.  Neither team were in front and most of the play was centred around the middle of the pitch.  Both teams were pushing forward.   However in the 30^th minute despite the run of play Uclan managed to take the lead with a strike.  This shocked Lancaster and within four minutes they had equalized.  A cross from Catherine McCartan was struck beautifully by Jenny Springer. The game started to pick up from this point and both teams started to fight for and want the ball.  UCLAN picked their pace and utilized an unfortunate miscommunication mistake by the Lancaster defense and scored a second goal in the 40^th minute.  UCLAN used this sudden spell of fortune and scored again in the 44^th minute to make it 3-1 to the home side. The whistle was blown just after the third home goal to signal half time and Lancaster came off with heavy hearts.  Step in the captain Jenny Murphy to make sure the girls new how to change things round.  The first half performance was something which needed to be desperately improved as not onky were Lancaster losing they were not playing football. Murphy demanded that all the players go into the second half with their eye and heart on the ball.  The captain that every player had to work and want the ball in order to get it and this is exactly what happened. UCLAN had been very lucky with two of the thre goals they had scored and five minutes into the second half they topped their lead off with a fourth goal.  However this was to their only attack of the second half.  Murphys team talk obviously worked as Lancaster started to play football to the best of the ability.  The movement off the ball was excellent and the passing was brilliant.  This led to several chances including a free kick that was awarded to Lancaster for a bad tackle.  McCartan stepped up and loop a ball which went just over the crossbar.  On the 60^th minute a cross from McCartan led to another goal from Springer, the pairs movement together had resulted in two goals for Lancaster.  Eight minutes later Fay Garratt headed the ball in the direction of the bottom left side corner.  This was then tapped in by a UCLAN player making the score 4-3. Lancaster dominated the second half.  They spread the play and played beautiful football.  However despite the constant pressure they placed on the UCLAN defence and goal they could not quite get another goal.  The final result ended 4-3. The fairest result for this game based on the first half performance of both teams would have been a draw however the second half performance from Lancaster proved they had the fight within then and therefore Lancaster should have walked away with three points.   UCLAN realized how lucky they were to gain three points and the coach were full of compliments for the form and motivation of the Lancaster side.  Congratulations to Catherine McCartan and Jenny Murphy as they were voted joint player of the match.   LUWFC 6th Game: Away to Keele UniversityDate: 21^st November 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm 

After losing to UCLAN last week LUWFC were determined not to lose again.  The very first game of the season was against Keele and Lancaster came out on top winning 6-3.  This obviously affected the Lancaster side and they went into the game with high hopes.  However these high hopes didn’t materialise into anything. 

The game against Keele started in a reasonable fashion yet Lancaster seemed to be against the run of play from the off.   None of the Lancaster players seem to want the ball as much as they should have and this is where Keele took advantage.  Lancaster have a brilliant team who can play excellent football however they lacked the spirit or fight that Keele had in this game.

Keele scored with thirty minute of the second half and then twice again in the second half.  This had been the worst performance from Lancaster since the start of the season.  Most of the game just had to be ridden out until the final whistle blew.  Lancaster looked lifeless and uninterested in the majority of this match and the feelings circulating in the changing room would have been enough to motivate all the players to change their attitude in the next game. 

Compliments must go to Keele as they fought for every ball and played some lovely football and thus truly deserved to win. 

LUWFC 7th Game: Home to ChesterDate: 26^th November 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm 

After two defeats on the trot Lancaster were not about to stop fighting to prove they were the best.  The ladies were determined that this would not be an opportunity for Chester to earn three points instead they unleashed a brilliant series of attacks and movements to shock Chester to their core.  This was a performance of brilliance.

Springer started this striking trend by striking the ball only to be denied by the crossbar. The crack of the wood obviously worried the Chester defense and they were quick to clear the ball away.  Lancaster constantly pushed forward from the start of the match and this proved useful when one of the attacks led to Lancaster’s first goal scored by Emily Hyslop in the 12^th minute.

After a few near misses from Springer in following attacks she finally got her first goal in the 18^th minute.  Springer likes to entertain before giving the audience what they want and it made the goal even better.  Four minutes later a penalty was awarded to Lancaster for a deliberate hand ball.  Catherine McCartan stepped up to take the penalty, with ease and grace she slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner to make it 3-0 to the home side. 

Six minutes after this Chester added to the Lancaster goal count by scoring an own goal. In the 33^rd minute Jenny Murphy scored a brilliant goal to make the score 5-0.    Five minutes later Jenny Murphy made her tally two as she headed home a cross from McCartan.

The home side went into half time 6-0 up and very happy with a superb performance.  The second half started almost immediately due to bad conditions and Chester went into the second half with only ten players due to an injury. 

Lancaster continued on their brilliant form and continued to attack the Chester goal although they didn’t manage to capitalize that much on their already impressive goal count.  In the 57^th Jenny Springer scored to make it 7-0.  McCartan then followed her fellow scorers and made it two goals on her goal count whilst simultaneously making the score 8-0.

Torrential rain was the setting for the entire match but Lancaster did not let this stop them from making up for their last two losses.  The home side was playing brilliant football – the movement and communication were exceptional considering the conditions were less then ideal.  This game truly highlighted the awesome ability and team spirit with Lancaster University women’s football team.  Well done to the entire squad and in particular to Catherine McCartan who was voted player of the match.

LUWFC   8th Game: Away to Manchester Metropolitan Date: 5^th December 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm 

Bleak and rainy conditions set the scene for Lancaster’s eighth match of the season.  Saying that the season is only comprised of ten league games…much to the teams dismay.  For this reason being victorious against Manchester would put Lancaster in good stead to claim the title of league winners.

Before the match began the referee decided to take away the right to call off side from the line man and woman and obviously thinking he had the vision of a superhuman he commenced the game with a blow of his whistle.

Lancaster’s first game against Manchester resulted in Lancasters being victorious, they gained a 4-1 win at home however it was now Manchester time for home advantage and within ten minutes they scored the very first goal.  Despite being told not to call off sides the linesman held his flag up to signal that the goal should not be allowed.  A Manchester player was way behind the Lancaster defence but despite this and due to the phenomenal eyesight of the referee the goal was allowed.

This goal was completely against the run of play as Lancaster were constantly in possession of the ball and were moving forward with force.  Much to their surprise they were then caught on the attack again by Manchester who scored a second goal.  Again this goal completed contradicted the state of play but in the end it’s the goals that count and Lancaster had to make the most of their possession. 

Play continued with Lancaster continuing to push on the Manchester goal but nothing seemed to be working.  The defensive work of both teams stepped up to make it increasingly difficult for their opposing attackers to be rewarded.  The whistle was blown for half time and both teams jogged off to freshen up. Lancaster captain Jenny Murphy tried to instill in her team that they still have every chance of winning the game and to pushing themselves one step closer to the league title.

Second half commenced with Lancaster beginning as they meant to.  They again dominated much of the game and continued to hold possession. They continued to push forward and drop the ball in the box with some superb crosses but yet they continue to fail to make anything of the chances they made from themselves.

Against the run of play again Manchester managed to score another goal.  Lancaster were started to look weary and disjointed even though their performance had been good.  In the dying minutes of the second half Lancaster did get some reward for their hard work.  Sarah Williamson scored a blinding goal from a cross to make the final score 3-1.  Out of everyone on the team Williamson had worked her socks off the entire game and truly deserved the goal.  Player of the match was awarded to Georgia Phillipson.

LUWFC  9th Game: Home to UCLAN Date: 12^th December 2007Kick Off: 2.00pm 

A game of immense importance, the consequences affect the league table considerably and a local derby between two great teams.  Games akin to this include Manchester United versus Manchester City, Liverpool versus Everton and Arsenal versus Tottenham.  This game was a must win for Lancaster in order to still be a contender in the race for the league title. 

Jenny Murphy, captain of Lancaster, had been preparing herself and the rest of the team for the biggest game of the season and she put all of her effort into this.  Every detail was covered including each player having a named part of the bench for them to sit on!

A dry and calm day with a perfect pitch seemed a good start for both teams.  The pre game warm up on Lancaster’s side was acutely concentrated on winning. 

Both teams went into the game with hunger and this led to an amazing performance by both sides.  The possession constantly switched from team to team making the intensity of the match extraordinary.  In the first half Lancaster did have a series of chances and in as little as seven minutes Lancaster could have been one nil up when Catherine McCartan powered a shot at goal only to be denied.  Several shots then came from Lancasters Jenny Springer who was playing her last match for the club before having to return back to America.  UCLAN also had shots on goal and although these were skillfully played through or built up to most of them were off target going way over or wide.

All the players on the pitch were putting in tremendous effort in order to reach the reward of winning.  The whistle was blown to signal half time and all Murphy could say was quite simply keep up the good work.

The second half commenced and again both teams looked eager.  The game was on quite an even keel when UCLAN made a break which could have proved vital but the Lancaster keeper, Jessica Smith, was there to make an awesome save in order to deny UCLAN.  Smith made her mark in the first half by making some good saves but she had to really step up her game in the second half when UCLAN were pushing and she did this with true style.

The game continued to be a strong battle between the teams, with all the players still placing increasing efforts into the game.  Hard tackles and strong movement came from both teams and play switched constantly from side to side.  I’m not sure which was truly worse to be a spectator or a player at the match. 

In the 30^th minute of the match, the fate of Lancaster seemed to have been decided.  While both teams were playing remarkably neither one looked like scoring and so there needed to be a lucky break for one of the teams.  This, unfortunately for Lancaster, came to UCLAN.  They were awarded a corner and as usual the Lancaster players picked up a player to mark.  The ball was crossed and there was a scramble to it and it got flick up into the air and they shot towards the goal.  It flew like a pellet from a gun and knocked awkwardly onto a Lancaster defender to make the score line 0-1 to UCLAN.

Lancaster continued to fight back and in the dying minutes were rewarded a free kick which was taken beautifully by Catherine McCartan. This was knocked just over by the keeper and yet Lancaster were not awarded a corner. Things just didn’t appear to be on the Lancaster side.  The fairest result for this match would have been a drawn but that is the nature of football.

This game showed a truly wonderful performance by every Lancaster player.  They fought hard and did themselves proud particularly Jessica Smith who was voted Player of the Match by the rest of the team.  Well done to everyone as it was a corker of a match to finish 2007 with.

LUWFC 1^st Game: Away versus Liverpool John Moore’s 2nds Date: 18^th October 2006Kick Off: 2.00pm Fresh faces were abundant in the Lancaster University Women’s Football team as they kicked off their first game of the season.  Numerous spaces had been made in the squad, after many of the players from last season graduated early this year.  Even though the starting line up for Lancaster was unrecognizable from the winning team last season, the old timers, or second years shall we say, ensured that the new players were involved in the spirit of last year, which led the team to winning the league and promotion into the next division.  Lancaster knew that they must make an impact and start the season on a high note.  The game commenced and all eyes were on the ball. Lancaster started off bright and in control of the game, constantly pursuing the ball and pushing John Moore’s back into their half.  The new Lancastrian players looked comfortable in their positions and the old timers shouted plenty of encouragement to keep the team working together.  Within eleven minutes Lancaster were winning by two goals to nil, the first goal scored by Rebecca Baxter and the second scored by Sue Wynes, who was wonderfully assisted by captain of the women’s football Catherine McCartan.  Emily Hyslop then scored a goal in the 23^rd minute of the game and Lancaster looked strong and positive.  On the 35^th minute Sue Wynes scored her second goal of the game, John Moores defence appeared to struggle with the tripartite striker formation Lancaster had adopted.  The half time score was 4-0 and the Lancaster players came off for a reassuring team talk.  Eager to top up their goal count, the Lancaster Ladies stepped out on the pitch before John Moores.  The second half did not begin well for Lancaster, in the 50^th minute a penalty was awarded to John Moores.  The penalty was taken but confidently saved by Lancastrian goalie Katie Perry, unfortunately a rebound shot was struck and John Moores salvaged a goal back.  After the goal Lancaster lost a little of their steam but managed to resurrect their spirit, too much in some cases as a player from each team was booked for dissent, however if you can’t get passionate for your team, what can you do? As Lancaster started to push forward again, John Moores began to struggle with the attacking pace of Lancaster as the strikers tore up their defence.  A wonderful one handed save was required by the John Moores Keeper when Kathryn Montgomery tricked two defenders and dodged the keeper before shooting.  The John Moores keeper had managed to track back from her first attempt at stopping shot to save the second strike. Lancaster was then caught on the break and in the 58^th minute John Moores had a near miss while Lancaster was sighing with relief. From then onwards Lancaster collected themselves and looked the more organized team.  This was rewarded by another three goals; the first and second were scored by Sue Wynes in the 68^th and 74^th minute.  And the last goal was a cracker from Jenny Murphy, who was brilliantly assisted by the talents of Sue Wynes. The final Score of the match was 1-7.  Although at some points in the match Lancaster looked shaky overall the team performance was tremendous.  Special mention should go to Georgia Phillipson who was voted Woman of the Match by her peers and coach for her excellent display as sweeper.  Lancaster is looking forward to continuing this standard of play in their up and coming matches. 

Team:

Katie Perry (Goalkeeper)Georgia PhillipsonLaura CookFay GarrattEmily HyslopKathryn MontgomeryRebecca BaxterEmma KevinJenny MurphySue WynesCatherine McCartanAlly LingSteph MatthewsDeborah Dilworth  LUWFC 1^st Game: Home to Liverpool Hope Date: 25^th October 2006Kick Off: 2.00pm As Lancaster kicked off their first home game of the season it was expected that the side would carry on their winning form of the previous week and make an impression on Liverpool Hope.  Lancaster started with a change in formation, starting with a 4-4-2 format rather then the formation used in the previous game 3-5-2.  There were a few minor adjustment made to the team to conform to the new formation, but the starting eleven was mostly the same.   The whistle was blown and the first half began, from this point Lancaster struggled to involve themselves in the match and remained on the back foot for the majority of the first half.  Liverpool Hope consistently pushed on the Lancaster defense and completely disregarded Lancaster with their strong forceful passes and linked runs.  Within 11 minutes Liverpool were winning by two goals to nil.  The second goal scored by Liverpool Hope resulted from a penalty kick.  Katie Perry, the Lancaster goalkeeper, dived the right way but was a few inches from stopping the shot. Lancaster at this point could have easily been three goals down.  In the opening minute of the game Liverpool went straight for the kill and a mixture of clever runs and strong passes resulted in a goal, however the goal was deemed offside by the officials and the reality for Lancaster was to compose themselves.   Up until the 30^th minute, Lancaster appeared to be a weaker side.  The only real attack they had on the Liverpool goal was struck by Sue Wynes and unfortunately this hit the post.  However, for the last fifteen minutes of the first half Lancaster organized themselves and started to work together.   This resurgence of team spirit did not stop Liverpool Hope scoring on the 44^th minute, making the half time score 0-3.   The whistle was blown and half time was indicative of resolving the problems, after team talks and re-hydration the second half commenced.  It soon became apparent that Lancaster were making something of the game and Liverpool were being pushed further and further back into their own half, their attacking runs were being held by the Lancaster defense and Liverpool became less poised on the ball.  Much of the play in the second half was now shared, Lancaster were showing the quality of football they could play and Liverpool started to struggle with this new found push.   This resurrection of talent in the second half was awarded with two Lancaster goals, both of which were scored by Jenny Murphy. Jenny was awarded Woman of the match due to her brilliant contribution. By the end of the match the tables had turned and Lancaster looked a completely different team; a team that could have easily won the match if they had played in their customary style in the first half.  The match itself was very gritty and highly fought out.  The final score ended up 2-3.  This match was team building for Lancaster; we now look forward to the next match where this can be practiced further. 

LUWFC 1^st Game: Away to Liverpool John Moore’s 1^st teamDate: 1^st November 2006Kick Off: 2.00pm After the defeat at home to Liverpool Hope, Lancaster wanted to regain some of their composure and were determined to start and finish their second away game by working as a team.  With the 4-4-2 formation being adopted for the second week, there were a few minor changes to the starting line up for Lancaster. The sun was shining on the pitch as the whistle blew to signify the start of the match.  The Lancaster Ladies were facing the sun in the first half, which, as always, made visibility extremely difficult.  Lancaster started well and were working together, within ten minutes Liverpool had scored the first goal of the game; a series of sharp one touch passes and diagonal runs, split the Lancaster defense.     The referee then made a dubious decision regarding a pass back by one of the Lancaster players, a quick free kick was taken and the result was a goal from Liverpool.  With the shock of the decision Lancaster hadn’t organize themselves in time and the consequence was a 2-0 score line.  For the second week in a row the girls had to try and recover from a deficit. Liverpool were very lucky at this stage to be winning by two goals, as the second goal had been conceded in a moment of delirium.  Lancaster however managed to retrieve a goal back and this lifted the heads of the team tremendously.  For the majority of the match both teams had several strikes on goal and there was a continual change in the direction of play.  In the second half, a brilliant combination of passes from Sue Wynes and Emily Hyslop resulted in a goal for Lancaster, but the referee deemed it offside, much to the frustration of the Lancaster team. The second half was thoroughly fought out by both sides, and all the players worked extremely hard to give their side the extra edge.  The end result transpired to be in favour of Liverpool John Moore’s but by rights the result should have been a draw. Special mention should go to the Lancaster Player of the Match: Katie Perry.  Katie is the goalkeeper for Lancaster and she proved her worth and much more in this particular match by saving some of the hardest, trickiest shots in football.  Katie performed brilliantly and was praised enormously by her fellow team mates.  She rightly deserved Player of the match. LUWFC 4^th Game: Away versus Manchester Metropolitan University Date: 8^th October 2006

Kick Off: 2.00pm

Another week and yet again LUWFC were at the mercy of Mother Nature as their all important match against UCLAN had to be reorganized as away fixture due to frozen pitches at LAncaster.  Baffled by the fact that this game was not cancelled?  Yes, so was the football team.  Preston is a mere half and hour away and despite it being known for its sunnier climates, it too had frozen pitches.  However Lancaster pulled out all the stops for this game and was determined to win it.

The match started at a high pressure and never decreased.  From the off Lancaster showed that they were in this for victory and nothing less.  After suffering a humiliating defeat to UCLAN two weeks prior, the Lancashire ladies were in good form, wanting the ball and coordinating themselves well.  This desire pushed them to score the first goal, a fabulous move from Sue Wynes gave Lancaster the lead. 

However it was not the first goal that mattered so much, rather it was more about how Lancaster would deal with the reaction of a very organized, hard working UCLAN side.  Lancaster remained consistent and continued to play some lovely football.  However against play, UCLAN were able to make a move which resulted in a goal. 

Lancaster reacted immediately and affectively and pushed forward once more.  Both teams were competing heavily and the drive was phenomenal.  Just before half time, the situation turned for Lancaster as UCLAN were awarded a penalty.  The Lancaster defender and midfielder involved in the penalty were baffled by this decision but the referee stood firm and remained resolute on his decision.

The penalty was taken and scored resulting in UCLAN taking the lead, although this did not reflect the game as it was very much level to this point.  The half time whistle blew and both teams went off for team talks and drinks.

The second half started in the same vain as the first, Lancaster were pushing forward in great style and UCLAN had to rely heavily on their defenders and goalkeeper to ensure Lancaster did not equalize.  After approximately fifteen minutes into the second half Lancaster made a tactical substitution introducing Rachel McKinley an attacking player in exchange for a more defensive player.

This substitution made an immediate impact and within seconds of Mckinley stepping on the pitch Lancaster had scored, courtesy of Sue Wynes.  The game continued with Lancaster pushing forward, there were a few occasions when UCLAN stepped back up however Ali Ling the Lancastrian keeper made some awesome saves to keep UCLAN out. 

The overall performance of the team was fantastic, playing brilliant football and working as a unit.  The team managed to revenge their 5-1 defeat and now it is on to Sunday where the team has to battle for their place in the national competition.  Knockouts here we come.

Player of the match was Emma Kevin, voted by the majority of her peers after a sterling performance.

LUWFC 10^th Game: Home versus Liverpool John Moore’s 1^st’sDate: 11^th February 2007

Kick Off: 2.00pm

Tensions were huge, and expectations high as Lancaster Women’s football team faced the league winners in a match that, if won, guaranteed them a place in the national knockout competition and also would award them second place in the league.  Lancaster had to go into this with their heads in the right place and their concentration high.

Lancaster began the game extremely well and within the first five minutes a brilliant movement forward and a magical shot by Sue Wynes gave Lancaster an early lead.  The next ten minutes saw several attempts at goal by Lancaster, including one brilliant move which broke from the half way line.  A great through ball from Wynes to Catherine McCartan meant McCartan broke free from the Liverpool defenders; she selfishly passed the ball to Emily Hyslop who shot.  Hyslop’s shot hit the keeper but McCartan was there to head in the shot, it narrowly missed and hit the crossed bar instead.  After this Lancaster were determined to hit the back of the net on the next push forward and did this with style.  In the sixth minute a brilliant slicing ball by McCartan enable Wynes to add to her goal tally with another exquisite goal.

From this point onwards, basically the rest of the match, LUWFC were a constant threat on goal and should have had many more in the first half.  Wynes, Hyslop, McCartan all had several chances but the Liverpool Keeper managed to keep a lot of the shots out with a flailing leg or arm.  However, LUWFC were hit by two injuries in the first half, and both situations were not dealt with calmly by the referee, who quite frankly was not ready to take on a university game.  Emma ??? came off with a sprained ankle replacing her was Andrea ???.  Next off was Sue Wynes who unfortunately pulled her quadriceps and couldn’t continue to play, Wynes was replaced by Rachel Mckinley.  The rest of the first half was full of tension and irritation as one of the Liverpool players continued to be quite frankly rude and obnoxious, whilst also recklessly tackling the Lancaster players and diving an awful lot.

The half time whistle blew and Lancaster came off the pitch angered and irritated, whether it was towards themselves or others remains a debate.  A quick team talk from the captain brought the team back together, McCartan urged that the team had not yet won this match and things could easily change.

The second half brought several more attempts at goal by Lancaster: McCartan, Mckinley, Hyslop all should have had their names on the score sheet in the second half.  Lancaster were then unfairly awarded two yellow cards almost back to back, which may I point out is extremely unusual in the women’s league and so therefore hopefully will be investigated.   However, after another brief moment of madness, Lancaster scored in the 22^nd minute.  A brilliant corner by Kathryn Montgomery enabled Faye Garrett to head one home.  This goal spurred Lancaster to continue playing football despite the resilience of the opposing side to turn it into a poor excuse for a match.  For the rest of the second half Lancaster continued to look threatening and deserved much more from the game.  Although they also deserved much more from the opposing side who had won the league and should have had more pride in themselves.

By all accounts, the game was going to be an interesting one, the last game against this team included a controversial free kick which enabled Liverpool to win.  However no body expected the game to be as entertaining as it was, two yellow cards, several reckless tackles later, Lancaster ended up winning 3-0 and gaining a place in knockouts.

Cest la vie to this odd Sunday game and onto nationals. Well done to the entire Lancaster Womens team.  And a special mention goes to Jenny ??? and Catherine McCartan who played absolutely brilliantly and were voted joint player of the match by the rest of the team.

An add on by Christopher Rudd of County College:

It’s all thanks to Chris Rudd’s 89^th minute substitute appearance dressed stunningly in a blonde wig and really short shorts. His 3 goals saved Lancaster from complete embarrassment and kept their reputation in tact. Chris Rudd is truly the greatest player to ever have worn the Lancaster women’s jersey. Numerous members of both teams also commented how sexy he was for a women. Perhaps it was with these stunning looks he dazzled the opposing team or maybe it was just because he is such a wonderful footballer. Thank you Chris, we owe so much to you. Amen.